Happy Hallowe'en? I don't think so...

This is actually something I posted up on Facebook last year, but I came across it again today, and it seems relevant to repost it here:

"I like bats and pumpkins (they make great pies - well, the pumpkins anyway)...but I will not be celebrating Hallowe'en. Not because I'm a party pooper (far from it - I shall, all being well, be enjoying a friend's 30th celebrations this weekend)...but why celebrate darkness and death when you can have LIGHT and LIFE?

Hallowe'en has everything to do with FEAR and DEATH - ghosts, witches, skulls, tombstones, graveyards, Druid sacrifices, menacing faces etc. - and nothing to do with the goodness of life. Jesus said, "I come to give you life..." and then He overcame death. The 'Trick or treat' game scares the living daylights out of the vulnerable. Fear is not of God.

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

2 Timothy 1:7

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

1 John 4:18 

Hallowe'en has its roots in witchcraft, the occult and everything related to Satan. As Christians we should shun any involvement in it. We are called to be "holy" ("separate" from the world and from evil), and have no part in such things.

The Bible (i.e. God) has a few choice words to say about it. These are 'old' words...but they are the Word of God...and their relevance is still for today.

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Galatians 5:19 

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD..."

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Still not convinced? The satanic bible recognises Hallowe'en as a major 'holiday'! You only have to do a Google search on the history of it to realise it's roots in the occult, whatever your beliefs.

There is nothing 'fun' about being involved in something that celebrates fear and darkness, whatever the marketing people say...and to justify otherwise is to literally be playing with fire.

I know which I'd rather choose!"

With Jesus in your life, you don't have to be scared of anything anymore!

While the history of Hallowe'en is more complex than I've shown, in the research I did before writing the note, it's being rooted in witchcraft is really what it does come down to. It's also been twisted into something different from intended (though its roots are definitely dubious). My point is that, in measuring the festival against the light of Christ, it really is something dark and distasteful and Christians should be wary of 'celebrating' it...if it's about the fun of dressing up, there are plenty of other themes. The devil is subtle in his deception. Sometimes by letting in something we deem 'harmless', we're actually letting in a lot more, spiritually speaking (I'm talking to myself here too).

EASTER > WASTER > MASTER

Hello... and a very happy and blessed Easter to you!

It has been a busy time since I last posted - too busy, in fact. I hope to remedy that with this post. So grab a cuppa and get comfy!

Let me start by giving the traditional Paschal Greeting...

"Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed!""Alleluia!"

Today is Easter Day. I am sitting in the garden with my laptop wired to the house via extension lead. It is a beautiful Spring day – warm and sunny – and as I type I'm listening to the ambient sounds of birds singing and a gentle welcome breeze rustling the leaves of nearby shrubs. This seems far removed from what Jesus experienced in His last few days, amid the dusty heat and political and social turmoil of the day.

An exciting new season of Doctor Who started last night. I've watched it for as far back as I can remember and spent many a time hiding behind a cushion (or two)! However this time I found myself wondering what it would be like to get into the Tardis and travel back to this time, to step out into the dry heat, noise and smells of a busy place on the verge of making history. What would it have been like to be one of the many female followers of Jesus and to have experienced the confusion and wonder of events as they unfolded?

What would it be like to travel to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus' death and resurrection?

Just before Easter I finished reading Frank Morison's book 'Who Moved the Stone?' The author set out to disprove Christ's last few days from a scientific standpoint, only to experience a paradigm shift in his faith and thinking as his research got underway. It's not the easiest book to read in terms of style of language, but he gets the message across; what happened to Christ was part of a bigger plan and mystery, but it happened nonetheless. It cannot be disproved though many would try to deceive us into thinking otherwise)!

Spring is in the air, and I get the feeling change is in the air. Did Jesus disciples and followers have a similar feeling, caught up in events as they were? Spring is a wonderful, positive season and echoes an amazing spiritual truth - from the death that is winter, new life stirs and blossoms in abundance.

In John 12:24 Jesus sums this up perfectly as He predicts His death:

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." 

Jesus had to die, so that we might have new spiritual – and ultimately, physical – life.

The Vineyard church I currently belong to is also experiencing a time of transition. Today's vibrant Easter service marked our final time together before we multiply into two services - to create more space for Jesus. I don't think I've ever seen so many people as I did this morning!

Full house!

In terms of attendance we have been full to bursting for a while, and we are about to 'pop', hopefully sowing more seeds as a result. We celebrate our 20th anniversary this year - all glory goes to God! Many local churches have already expanded over recent years. If anyone reading this is in any doubt whether people still go to church – they do, or whether it's growing – it is! Jesus is alive today and working among us to reach the hurt, lost and broken in our communities and beyond.

Last week we held a 24/7 week of prayer. This comprised hourly sessions that folk could sign up to over the seven days…you could stay as long as you wanted. Individuals went and groups went…but it was a rich experience for all. I'm a busy person - the kind whose mind is always on the go with some idea or consideration. It was very hard for me to initially tear myself away from my work schedule. In a sense it felt like praying like this was a 'waste' of time I could be spending working on a deadline. Part of me was a little bit nervous - what would be expected and would it be boring  (add a smidgen of guilt here)! It was nothing like I anticipated. The hall had been divided into different zones (e.g., 'international', 'church', 'small groups' and a 'soaking' space in the form of a tent with white lights, for contemplation). Lots of thought had gone into it - lots of creative outlets, paints, paper, pens, pencils, wooden blocks Bibles, a tv, a CD player…

Different zones to inspire prayer

The focus of the week was from Matthew 5:14-16:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Someone had created a beautiful lantern using coloured tissue paper. After praying, you were obliged to make a hole in the paper with a pencil - each one making the light shine out even brighter…a wonderful idea!

"Let your light shine!"

I loved the time I spent there - it flew by so quickly - I could have spent another week there! The presence of God was very tangible, and there was such a peace and sense of spiritual beauty in the place. I particularly loved one session worshipping with two others - it was quality time. One thing God showed me was that I was getting too busy for Him. I've been 'fitting Him in' around my life, rather than seeking the Source of that life so I might live better! In brief, I had started doing things more and more in my own strength, not in His…it's a subtle thing…and I thank God for His Spirit reminding me and convicting me…but without the heavy burden of guilt that the enemy likes to trowel onto us. God promises that when we repent, He forgives our sins.

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10)

That is why Jesus died on the cross. He didn't just 'swoon' into oblivion like they do in some of those fab old black and white films.

"Woe is me"

Can we ever imagine what Christ went through? I don't think so.

He was anxious, exhausted, troubled, sorrowful, in pain, tortured, messy, bleeding, sweating, parched, mocked, rejected, beaten, bruised...and murdered…yet He went through it all because His dying on our place - a perfect sacrifice - was the only way God could restore our (His Creation) relationship to Him. That's what it's about. It's not about 'religious' practices, laws and legalities. It's about love, sacrifice, restoration, relationship…and above all, LOVE. When Jesus died and God resurrected Him (fully restored His human body - He could eat as well as pass through walls)…He claimed victory over death, satan and all evil. That victory is for all who believe and repent. One day, Jesus is coming back, and when He does, we will likewise have new bodies as well as a new name…and we reign with Christ on a new earth. While I'm trying to get the most out of this life, I can't wait for the next. Read the wonderful first few verses of John's writings in Revelation 21 - the language is poetic but the message is clear:

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

At one part in the service today, seven people held up letters spelling EASTER. With one switch, the first E turned to become a 'W' (WASTER), and the again for an 'M' (MASTER). The meaning? Easter is a celebration of when the Waster found out who the Master truly is!

In what, or whom, do you place your trust?

EASTER > WASTER > MASTER!

Please note that I have written an entire Easter blog without once mentioning either bunnies or chocolate…until now :o)

M

PS There are three hymns/songs that have had meaning for me over the past week. One is "The Servant King", one is "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (neither of which we've sung at church for a while) and "Amazing Grace" (of late we've sung Chris Tomlin's updated version). I've highlighted in bold the verses which have meant the most.

The Servant King | Graham Kendrick

From heav’n You came, helpless Babe,
Entered our world, Your glory veiled;
Not to be served but to serve,
And give Your life that we might live.

Chorus:
This is our God, the Servant King,
He calls us now to follow Him,
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to the Servant King.

There in the garden of tears,
My heavy load He chose to bear;
His heart with sorrow was torn,
‘Yet not my will but Yours,’ He said.


Come see His hands and His feet,
The scars that speak of sacrifice;
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered.

So let us learn how to serve,
And in our lives enthrone Him;
Each other’s needs to prefer,
For it is Christ we’re serving.


When I Survey the Wondrous Cross | Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.


Amazing Grace | John Newton

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Keep your eyes on the prize...

A while back, my church ran a monthly Sunday evening event called 'More...?'. It was held in the Cellar Bar at the Farnham Maltings and took place over a period of about three years. As well as a regular house band from the church in which I was a privileged participant, we also had guest bands and solo artists – it was a fun time. The evening would consist of a couple of sets and a short talk or testimony in the middle. The aim was to create a space for Christians to bring non-Christians to come and find out more about Jesus while enjoying a relaxing, unimposing, bar/café-style evening.

One of the original postcards I designed... 

On the music side, we had the opportunity to try songs away from the standard worship fare on a Sunday morning, songs such as "O Mary Don't You Weep" and this fantastic track "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize", performed below by the legendary Bruce Springsteen (Mavis Staples also does a great version of the latter)... (I've pasted the lyrics below):



LYRICS:

"Paul and Silas bound in jail, had no money for to go their bail
Keep your eyes on the prize and hold on

Paul and Silas thought they was lost, dungeon shook and the chains come off
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Freedom's name is mighty sweet and soon we're gonna meet
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

I got my hand on the gospel plow, won't take nothing for my journey now
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on

Only chain that a man can stand, is that chain o'hand on hand
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

I gonna board that big Greyhound, carry the love from town to town
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on

The only thing I did was wrong was staying' in the wilderness too long
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on
The only thing I did was right was the day we started to fight
Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on

Hold on, hold on
Keep your eyes on the prize
Hold on...

Ain't been to heaven but I been told, streets up there are paved with gold."

~

So why this song? Why this post? Well, the song has been in my head for a few days now so I decided to give it some real thought. 

In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul writes,

"...Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." [Emphasis, mine]

Life can throw all sorts of things our way – good and bad. For some reason it is often the bad that stays with us in our memories – the hurt, the fear, the rejection, the shame, the anger and the resolve not to go there again. All this merely works to colour our future experiences and decisions, unless we can give them over to God for healing and restoration. We also need to seek His forgiveness for trying to do things our way. We think we're taking ownership of the hurt and protecting ourselves, but really we just end up putting pressure the wound so that it never has the chance to fully heal. We need to know when to let go.

This bad stuff can also paralyse us into not moving forward – and it takes courage to overcome. We really do need Christ first and foremost. I'm reminded of a book I read years ago, that I come back to often – John Ortberg's "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat." Says what it does on the tin. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs input into moving away from the old into the new.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

John Wimber said, "Faith is spelled R.I.S.K." and "If you never do it, you never get to see it." What's the worst that can happen by taking that step forward? By doing nothing and remaining in the same place, we become bored and stagnant and are robbed of God's amazing plans for us! Trust in inevitably based on our experiences but faith is a gift from God and He grows it in us as we experience His goodness and faithfulness.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" (Joshua 1:9)

There's also plenty of good stuff in life too and we need to be thankful for our lives because they are gifts to us. They are not for our own sake - but for the sake of loving and reaching the lost for God's Kingdom. As such we are Christ's ambassadors and have a responsibility towards looking after ourselves so we can look after others. We need to keep developing our understanding of what it means *now* to live in the Kingdom of God. Our responsibility to ourselves can really be summed up by needing to be be prepared. For a Christian, this means an ongoing and deepening relationship with God, the understanding and application of His Word, and staying as fit as we are able – spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally etc. Ephesians 6 talks about being prepared by putting on the full armour of God so that we can stand firm (that's another topic in itself which I'll look at another time!) Philippians 4 says:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." [Emphasis, mine]

In order to be a serious contender in any kind of race, we need to train. This involves action on our part. Now I am not a runner. At school, I was never the fastest. I'd sometimes start off fast and even lead for a while, but after a quick burst of energy I'd suddenly flag considerably and end up in the bottom half! If I paced myself, I would do much better – and that conserve of energy would do me well for the last couple of laps. I generally found school fitness stuff rather demoralising as I have always been prone to comparing myself to others and coming off worse! I ended up arranging things so that my music lessons happened during my games lessons – result! I didn't get back into enjoying fitness until I went to university! But even with the music, I still had to train...to improve, to go the distance, and get passes in my exams. By training ourselves in whatever way we need, we are not only fitter and have more energy, but we bounce back from the bad stuff more easily...and develop the stamina to go even further. But training is an act of will, often a sacrifice and always a discipline – yet it yields great results. As the following spiritual law testifies, we reap what we sow.

Three times now I've taken part in one of the local 'Race for Life' events to raise money for Cancer Research. We all have the same goal – to get to the finishing post and raise our respective funds that go towards investigating what is a very serious disease. What I like most about it is that you can complete the course however you like – you can run, walk, jog or a mixture - whatever your preferred pace...you can be young or old, thin or fat, tall or short...in a costume or in jeans, on your own, or with friends and family. The only prerequisite is that you must be female! In spite of the serious theme, the event is about having fun and doing something good. Some training certainly helped. When I first did it with colleagues a while ago, I'd go walking/jogging in my lunch hour or after work. This was new to me – hard work – but it paid off! Coming up to the finishing line was the best bit. I'd been walking for a while but as I got there I started jogging again – I wanted to finish 'properly'. Being cheered on by spectators, the organisers and those who'd already completed the race had a tremendous effect on my tired limbs and lagging spirit – my energy was revived, my mood, jubilant – I'd done it!

I see a parallel with our Christian journey. The only prerequisite is that we know Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Even if we don't, it may be that we're going in the right direction despite ourselves (praise God for that!) The 'fitter' we are, the better we are at handling the ups and downs of life, but it doesn't mean we won't experience and feel those ups and downs and get a little weary and sore from them at times. The process of living in relationship with God is not 'guaranteed' – every step of obedience takes the risk that God will not do what we want Him to do. This is how He set it up! That's why it's important to study the Word of God and regularly meet with other Christians. By focusing on Jesus and encouraging one another, we find the strength to keep pressing on.

There are certainly a couple of key (to me) areas in my life at the moment that need some discipline on my part. I've either not really given them the time yet, or I've let them go. Both are applicable. I can pray to God all I like, but if I'm not willing to put the effort in or take that first step, what's the alternative? Settling with the mediocre, giving up? I don't want that. Life is about freewill – I have a choice...

I've noticed a sequence ...that often God calls (or whispers, usually!), then we have to step out, but then He intervenes with His purpose/blessing...and it's exciting!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Some things  are certain – the sin and failure of our past is dealt with, our present is wrapped up in the love and blessing of the Father, our future with Him is a sure promise...so, let's keep our eyes on the prize, and hold on!

Inspiration

Detail of Michaelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam' in the Sistine Chapel

For some reason the word 'inspire' has been on my mind for a few days this week. I felt prompted to investigate it further, particularly with regards to my faith and understanding of Scripture. As a creative person, inspiration is important to me. I hope, also, that I am able to inspire others at times.

The somewhat onomatopoeic word 'inspire' has a lovely breathy quality about it. All I know about the derivative of the word is that it is something to do with 'breath', based on the Latin. Now, I'm definitely no hardcore intellectual or theological scholar (and total kudos to those who are!) I do, however, have a love of words which extends to the joy of word-play. I also love learning about the original meanings of words (etymology), especially in relation to Bible texts, so I can build up a fuller picture of what is intended. I was fortunate (?!) to have studied Latin until I was 15, before dropping it at the first opportunity for History! While I disliked it intently at the time and couldn't see the point in being taught a 'dead language', it proved to be a useful tool when understanding word definitions in other areas - such as language and musical terms.

I decided to start with looking at the dictionary definition of 'inspire.'

Our English word 'inspire' comes from the Latin verb 'inspirare' – from 'spirare' (to breathe) – 'in' (in) and 'spiro' (breathe). Definitions of the verb include:

inspire [ɪnˈspaɪə]
1. to exert a stimulating or beneficial effect upon (a person); animate or invigorate
2. (tr; foll by with or to; may take an infinitive) to arouse (with a particular emotion or to a particular action); stir
3. (tr) to prompt or instigate; give rise to her beauty inspired his love
4. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) (tr; often passive) to guide or arouse by divine influence or inspiration
5. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) to take or draw (air, gas, etc.) into the lungs; inhale
6. (tr) Archaic
a.  to breathe into or upon
b.  to breathe life into
[C14 (in the sense: to breathe upon, blow into): from Latin inspīrāre, from spīrāre to breathe]

I then decided to also look up the word 'inspire' in the Bible and came across two different contexts.

A good use of the word as defined above is in the creation of Adam: dust or clay shaped by the Great Potter (yasar) lay as a lifeless body until the Giver of Life “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living breathing being” (Genesis 2:7). So Adam arrived 'by inspiration of God.' Beautiful.

Let's have a look at it:

"And the Lord God formed a man's body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person."

The Hebrew word for 'breathed' is 'naphach' (meaning to breathe, blow or be blown, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose, to cause to breathe out, express a harsher snorting sound). The Hebrew word for 'breath' is 'neshamah' (meaning, breath of God and man, the Spirit of God imparting life and wisdom to the spirit of man).

As a slight aside, there is something else I find of interest. Before they were given their new names by God, Sarah and Abraham were Sarai and Abram. At the time Sarai was barren and getting on a bit, and had exhausted her faith and Abram weakened also, causing them to devise their own scheme 'according to the flesh' (Galatians 4:23). In the Bible, name changes correspond to either character change or a major call from God. Abram's name is changed from 'Exalted Father' to Abraham 'Father of a Multitude'. Sarai's name is changed from 'Princess' to Sarah meaning 'The Princess' or 'Queen' linking her in co-rulership with her husband and including her in God's covenant promise. Why am I telling you this? Both names were expanded with the Hebrew letter H or 'Hey'. According to Jewish mystics, 'Hey' represents the breath of God and His creative power. Therefore, it can be said that God gave them new names and breathed life into their circumstances - and Sarah gave birth to Isaac despite her being 90 and Abraham being 101! I'll try and find out more about this.

'Inspire' is also used in the translation of the following verse (2 Timothy 3:16):

"All scripture is inspired and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

Here, the word 'inspired' comes from the Greek word 'theopneustos' that is, 'God-breathed' or 'breathed out by God.' The word is made up of two others - 'theo' meaning God, and 'pneustos' meaning to breathe or inspire and relates directly to God's Spirit (Gk pneuma) which can also be translated 'breath.' This word is only used once in the Greek New Testament, in the verse seen above and therefore the exact meaning is not known.

There seems to be some misunderstanding as to the interpreted meaning of the use of 'inspire' in this verse. While 'inspire' can have the meaning as shown in the Latin term that means 'to breathe into', this is not what Paul is talking about here. He is not saying that the Scriptures are human words into which God has 'breathed' something special, something beyond the norm. Neither is he saying that God did something special to the writers of Scripture, though this is a common usage of the term today as well. While the authors were of course 'inspired by God to write' (holy men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Spirit, 2 Pet. 1:21), this is not the meaning of the term here. By using theopneustos in this context, Paul tells us that the very Scriptures themselves are the creation of God, reflecting His very breath, His very speaking.

So, what have I learned from looking into this? A couple of things really. I've learned more about the contexts of the original words and there meanings, which makes the Scriptures come alive to me. I've been reminded of how awesome our God is - that He chose to create man 'in His image' and breathe life into him...as well as giving us the living Scriptures as a guide to help us draw closer to him while we are on earth.

Amazing and powerful stuff - just from one word! I truly am inspired!